Stelvio Pass

Stelvio Pass (stĕlˈvyō) [key], alt. 9,048 ft (2,758 m), in the central Alps, N Italy, near the Swiss and Austrian borders. It is crossed by the highest road in the Alps, connecting the Valtellina with the upper Adige River valley. The road, extending c.30 mi (50 km) from Bormio to Trafoi, was begun in 1820 by the Austrians.